5 Ways Seed Cycling Can Help with Hormone Balance
Have you heard about seed cycling yet? In the realm of women's health, it’s a practice gaining attention for its potential to naturally support hormone balance. Easy to do (and yummy, too!), more and more women are turning to seed cycling to help them manage healthy hormone levels for fertility, perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, and to help manage PMS symptoms.
Let's delve into what seed cycling is, how it works, and its potential benefits across various hormonal phases of a woman's life.
What is seed cycling for hormones?
Seed cycling is a nutritional technique that involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to promote hormone balance and harmony. It typically revolves around two different seed combinations: flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the first half of the cycle (follicular phase), and sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during the second half (luteal phase). As a reference point, the first true day of your period is considered Day 1 of your cycle (spotting doesn’t count).
How does seed cycling work?
The idea behind seed cycling for hormone balance is rooted in the nutritional properties of seeds that may help support hormone metabolism and production. Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds, consumed in the follicular phase, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which are thought to support estrogen production. Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, consumed during the luteal phase, contain lignans and vitamin E, which may help support progesterone production and balance.
Can seed cycling actually help balance hormones?
While scientific research on seed cycling is limited, the seeds involved – flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower – do contain nutrients beneficial for hormone health. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lignans, and vitamin E are all known to play roles in hormone regulation and reproductive health. Since all women’s bodies are different, seed cycling may work better for some women than others. Think of seed cycling as a holistic approach that may complement other interventions for hormonal balance.
Needless to say, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider when trying something new – especially if you have unusual or severe symptoms relating to PMS, fertility, PCOS, perimenopause or menopause.
What about PMS? Can seed cycling help with PMS symptoms?
Seed cycling for PMS is being explored for its potential to alleviate or lessen some PMS symptoms. The good news is that, by incorporating seeds known for their hormone-balancing properties into the diet, some women experience significant improvements in PMS symptoms. Again, results vary by person, so it may be helpful to combine seed cycling with other lifestyle adjustments for comprehensive PMS management.
Can seed cycling help with fertility?
While scientific research specifically on seed cycling is limited, the Omega-3s, zinc, lignans, and vitamin E found in flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds are known to help support fertility health. Seed cycling for fertility is often viewed as a complementary approach to holistic fertility support.
Can seed cycling help with hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause?
Let’s face it: Perimenopause and menopause can be pretty intense times of hormonal activity and imbalance! Some women experience a lot of symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, from hot flashes and night sweats, to brain fog and mood swings, while others have an easier time of it. While it’s not a comprehensive solution, seed cycling incorporates essential nutrients that may help to balance the estrogen and progesterone in the body, and thereby ease some of the symptoms of the significant hormonal transitions common during these phases of life.
Can I seed cycle while on birth control?
Absolutely! You can definitely practice seed cycling while taking birth control, and many people find it a helpful addition to their wellness routine. It’s important to recognize that birth control regulates your hormones synthetically, so the effects of seed cycling may be less noticeable. That said, seed cycling can complement birth control by providing nutrients that support overall hormonal health.
Will seed cycling regulate my periods?
No. Seed cycling really isn’t a guaranteed method to regulate periods on its own. Its benefits are more commonly associated with potential support for hormonal balance, which may lessen the impact of your cycle on your day-to-day life. In addition, irregular periods or severe PMS symptoms may be an indicator of larger hormone imbalances that may require additional intervention.
I have PCOS. Can seed cycling help?
Seed cycling is starting to gain interest as a possible part of a holistic management strategy for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). There’s a definite need for more research in this area, but we do know that omega-3 fatty acids and lignans – found in many of the seeds commonly used in a seed cycling practice – may help support natural hormone balance, potentially benefiting individuals with PCOS.
How long does it take for seed cycling to work?
The timeline for experiencing benefits once you start a seed cycling regimen can vary among individuals. Some may notice changes within one to three menstrual cycles, while others may require more time, or not notice any significant change. Either way, consistency is key; adhering to the practice over several months may provide clearer insights into its potential effects on hormone balance for your specific body.
How do I start seed cycling?
To begin seed cycling, follow these steps tailored to your menstrual cycle:
- Follicular Phase (Days 1-14):
- Consume 1 tablespoon each of freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily. These can be added to smoothies, yogurt, salads, or oatmeal.
- Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):
- Switch to 1 tablespoon each of freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily. These seeds can also be incorporated into meals or snacks to ensure regular intake.
HOT TIP: When using flax seeds, we strongly recommend using fresh ground seeds to maximize nutrient absorption. Flax seeds are tiny, and have hard shells. Because of this, unground flax seeds often pass through the digestive system without providing much nutritional benefit. However, it’s also important to understand that the nutritious oils in flax seeds do not maintain their potency for long when exposed to air. For this reason, we recommend grinding your flax fresh if possible (an inexpensive coffee bean grinder works great!). But if that’s not possible, purchase high quality ground flax, and minimize ground flax to light, heat, and air by keeping it well sealed in a dark container. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a nutritionist before starting seed cycling to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.
Seed cycling offers a natural, nutrition-based approach to supporting healthy hormone balance. While individual experiences may vary, incorporating nutrient-rich seeds into your diet during specific menstrual phases could complement your overall holistic approach to hormonal health and well-being. It’s important to note a variety of other factors (sleep, stress, underlying causes of hormone imbalance) impact a woman’s ability to maintain healthy hormone levels, too. For a comprehensive understanding of your overall hormonal health we recommend a DUTCH test to gain further insight.